India–Netherlands Relations Highlighted as a Growing Strategic Partnership
On the occasion of the 77th Republic Day of India, the Ambassador of India to the Netherlands, H.E. Mr. Kumar Tuhin, and his spouse Mrs. Deepa Tuhin hosted a reception at the Leonardo Royal Hotel, The Hague, welcoming a distinguished audience of diplomatic, political, and institutional leaders.
The reception was honoured by the presence of the Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Netherlands, H.E. Mr. David van Weel, alongside heads of international organisations, ambassadors, senior officials, and prominent representatives from the Dutch political and business communities.
Among the notable guests were H.E. Mr. Christian Rebergen, Secretary-General of the Dutch Ministry of Foreign Affairs; Ambassador Fernando Arias, Director-General of the OPCW; Ambassador Marcin Czepelak, Secretary-General of the Permanent Court of Arbitration; Ambassador Sheikh Mohammed Belal, Managing Director of the Common Fund for Commodities; Mr. Philippe Gautier, Registrar of the International Court of Justice; Mr. Jean-Marc Thouvenin, Secretary-General of the Hague Academy of International Law; Ms. Marisa Gerards, Ambassador of the Netherlands to India; Ms. Dominique Küling, Director Asia & Oceania at the Dutch Ministry of Foreign Affairs; and many close colleagues and friends of the Ambassador.
India’s Journey and Transformation
In his address, Ambassador Tuhin reflected on India’s historical journey and remarkable transformation:“On 26 January, 76 years ago, the Constitution of India came into force. On 15 August, 79 years ago, India became independent. It is important to remember, however, that India’s existence as a nation stretches back several millennia. But speaking of our journey since 1947, India has indeed come a long way.”
Highlighting India’s economic and technological progress, the Ambassador noted that over the past decade India has risen from the 11th to the 4th largest economy globally in nominal terms, becoming the fastest-growing major economy in recent years, with GDP growth of 8.2% in Q2 of 2025–26.
He pointed to India’s position as the third-largest domestic aviation market, its leadership in digitalisation—with over 20 billion digital transactions per month, valued at approximately USD 300 billion—and the rapid expansion of connectivity, with 5G subscribers projected to reach 980 million by 2030.
Infrastructure and innovation were also highlighted, with India currently building approximately 30 kilometres of highways daily, and hosting more than 200,000 startups, including nearly 125 active unicorns.
Ambassador Tuhin underlined India’s commitment to sustainability: “All this is being achieved while fully keeping in mind our environmental obligations.” India’s solar capacity has increased thirty-two-fold over the past decade, making it the third-largest solar energy producer globally, and in 2025 more than 50% of India’s installed electricity capacity came from non-fossil fuel sources, five years ahead of its Paris Agreement target. India remains committed to achieving 500 GW of renewable energy capacity by 2030.
“India is in a period of rapid transformation. While challenges remain, we are committed to reform, transform and perform—and to building collaborative partnerships with our international partners as a responsible global player,” the Ambassador concluded.
Strengthening India–Netherlands and EU Relations
Ambassador Tuhin noted the continued momentum in India–Netherlands relations, marked by high-level political engagement, including the meeting between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Prime Minister Dick Schoof in Johannesburg in November 2025, and Foreign Minister van Weel’s visit to India last month. Over the past year, the two countries have exchanged three foreign-minister-level visits and numerous ministerial and vice-ministerial engagements.
Expressing appreciation, he thanked the Government of the Netherlands and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs for their cooperation and support.
At the European level, India’s engagement with the European Union is also deepening. On the occasion of Republic Day, European Council President António Costa and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen were in India as Chief Guests, alongside EU High Representative Kaja Kallas. Several agreements are expected to be concluded, including a EU–India Security and Defence Partnership.
Quoting European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, the Ambassador recalled: “A successful India makes the world more stable, prosperous and secure.”
Dutch Foreign Minister: A Forward-Looking Partnership
In his remarks, Minister David van Weel congratulated India on its 77th Republic Day and thanked the Embassy for the invitation to participate in the celebrations.
Reflecting on the current global context, he observed: “We find ourselves in a world where long-standing certainties are being questioned and alliances are being tested. Yet history reminds us that moments of uncertainty are also moments of opportunity.”
He emphasised the growing alignment between India and the Netherlands: “I just had discussions with my counterpart, Minister Jaishankar, and we agreed that our strategic interests are more closely aligned today than ever before. As a result, our long-standing relationship is transforming into a broad and forward-looking strategic partnership, which we aim to formalise this year.”
Minister van Weel underlined that this momentum is reinforced at the European level, including negotiations on an ambitious EU–India Free Trade Agreement, and stressed that the partnership rests on shared values: “Our countries are fundamentally united by values such as justice, liberty, equality and democracy—values powerfully captured in the Indian Constitution that we celebrate today.”
He also highlighted the significant contribution of the Indian diaspora to key sectors of the Dutch economy and to bilateral ties. “Together, we are not only responding to today’s challenges, but also shaping tomorrow’s opportunities,” he concluded.
The evening concluded with a colourful cultural programme, featuring Indian dance performances, and a rich selection of Indian cuisine, offering guests an immersive celebration of India’s heritage.
The reception closed with a traditional toast:
“To the health, prosperity and happiness of the people of India and the Netherlands, and to the special friendship between the Republic of India and the Kingdom of the Netherlands.”
